Category High Performance Home

When it comes to building with insulated concrete forms (ICFs), one of the biggest challenges is keeping the walls straight and secure during the concrete pour. Many systems on the market require a mix of exterior bracing—strapping, plywood, vertical supports, and other materials that add time, cost, and clutter to the job site.

Quad-Lock has taken a different approach.

Quad-Lock’s corner brackets are a game changer!  Designed exclusively for use with Quad-Lock ICF, they eliminate the need for exterior reinforcement altogether. Instead, Quad-Lock uses an outside corner bracket and an inside corner bracket that work together to provide exceptional strength and alignment during the pour. It’s efficient, easy to use, and built right into the wall structure.

So, what makes this such a big deal?

Less Labour, Lower Cost

Because there’s no need to build temporary support structures with lumber and strapping, the amount of labour required on-site drops dramatically. You’re not hauling materials around, making custom cuts, or taking time to remove it all after the pour. With these corner brackets, you’re ready to pour faster—and you’re spending less on extra materials and manpower.

Clean and Uncluttered

External bracing can be bulky and awkward, especially when space is tight or access is limited. When used for internal bracing, the corner brackets keep the worksite clean and organized. They also reduce the risk of damage to insulation panels or the exterior face of the wall, which can sometimes occur when using traditional wood bracing methods.

Strong, Straight Walls—Every Time

The inside and outside brackets lock the ICF panels firmly in place, ensuring the wall holds its shape throughout the pour. This means fewer blowouts, fewer surprises, and less stress on pour day. It also ensures the walls come out straight and true, making your finish work easier and more precise.

Built for Quad-Lock

The corner brackets are exclusive to Quad-Lock. They been engineered specifically for Quad-Lock’s ICF forms and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the Quad-Lock system. It’s not an add-on or afterthought—it’s part of the reason Quad-Lock is known for durable, high-performance builds.

Smarter Building Starts Here

Quad-Lock is always looking for ways to make the building process faster, easier, and more efficient. Corner brackets are just one more way to help builders deliver top-quality work without unnecessary hassle or expense.

Looking to simplify your next ICF project? Go with the system that’s built to brace from the inside out.  Contact us at Performance ICF today!

Exciting progress is happening in Chilliwack! Sonbuilt Custom Homes is constructing a full Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) home, and we at Performance ICF are thrilled to be part of the journey. As a proud Quad-Lock dealer, we love seeing high-performance homes take shape using Quad-Lock’s superior ICF system.

The Build So Far

Construction is well underway, with the crawlspace concrete now poured—a solid foundation for this energy-efficient home. Next, the walls will be formed using Quad-Lock ICF, providing unmatched insulation, durability, and strength. A full ICF home means superior energy efficiency, soundproofing, and indoor air quality, making it a smart choice for long-term comfort and sustainability.

Why Quad-Lock ICF?

Quad-Lock is a Canadian-owned company known for producing high-performance ICF systems. Their insulated concrete forms create airtight, highly efficient homes that stand up to Canada’s diverse climate. The benefits of building with Quad-Lock include:

• Energy Efficiency – Drastically reduces heating and cooling costs year-round.
• Soundproofing – Keeps outside noise where it belongs—outside.
• Fire Resistance – Provides excellent fire protection for added peace of mind.
• Strength & Durability – Reinforced concrete walls offer unmatched resilience.

Watching the Progress

Seeing a full ICF home come to life is always exciting, and this project in Chilliwack is no exception. The next steps will involve forming and pouring the ICF walls, bringing this energy-efficient home closer to completion.

Stay tuned as we continue following the progress of this build. We can’t wait to see the final result!

Interested in building with ICF? Contact Us at Performance ICF today to learn more about how Quad-Lock can help you create a stronger, more energy-efficient home.

November is Radon Action Month, a month dedicated to spreading awareness on the dangers of radon.

When we think about the air quality in our homes, we often think about dust, allergens, or even VOCs from paint and furniture. But there’s another invisible danger we should be mindful of: radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground, posing significant health risks over time. The good news? Construction techniques and materials—like Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) — can help mitigate radon infiltration, creating a safer and healthier home environment.

What is Radon and Why Should You Care?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that forms from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It’s present at low levels in the air outdoors, but it can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors, especially in basements or lower levels of homes. High radon exposure has been linked to lung cancer, making it a serious concern for homeowners.

Because radon enters homes through cracks and gaps in foundations, one of the most effective ways to combat it is by creating an airtight, well-sealed foundation system. This is where Quad-Lock ICF comes in.

How Quad-Lock ICF Reduces Radon Infiltration

Quad-Lock ICF is designed to build walls and foundations that are not only energy-efficient but also airtight. Here’s how it helps in the fight against radon:

1. Exceptional Airtightness Quad-Lock ICF blocks are built with an interlocking design that creates a seamless, airtight barrier. This prevents the entry of radon gas by eliminating gaps and cracks that traditional foundations can develop over time. The result is a home that is tightly sealed from the ground up, minimizing radon’s pathway into your living space.
2. Durability Over Time Unlike materials like wood or standard concrete that can develop cracks with age, ICF blocks are made to last. The expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam in Quad-Lock ICF resists shifting, cracking, and settling. This long-term durability means fewer potential entry points for radon over the lifespan of your home.
3. Enhanced Insulation and Vapor Barrier Quad-Lock ICF is engineered with a thick layer of insulation, offering more than just energy efficiency benefits. This insulation also acts as an added barrier against radon and other soil gases. Additionally, because of the vapor-resistant properties of the foam, moisture intrusion is minimized, which further reduces the likelihood of cracks forming over time due to moisture-related expansion and contraction.
4. Built-In Radon Mitigation Compatibility If you’re building with Quad-Lock ICF, integrating a radon mitigation system during construction becomes easier. Quad-Lock’s designs can incorporate passive or active radon mitigation systems, such as ventilation pipes that vent radon gases safely outside the home. Pairing ICF with a radon mitigation system can make your home even safer and give you peace of mind.  Please visit the website for Radon Environmental Management Corp. for mitigation options.

Benefits Beyond Radon Reduction

By choosing Quad-Lock ICF, you’re not only reducing radon levels but also investing in a healthier, more comfortable home. Here are some additional benefits:

• Energy Efficiency: Quad-Lock ICF provides superior insulation, which means lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment all year round.
• Noise Reduction: The thick, insulated walls reduce outside noise, creating a quieter, more peaceful home.
• Environmental Sustainability: ICF construction is energy-efficient and can be made from recycled materials, which lowers the environmental footprint of your home.

Building a Radon-Resistant Home with Quad-Lock ICF

For new construction, Quad-Lock ICF can be an integral part of your approach to radon reduction. In areas known for high radon levels, or if you’re simply committed to a healthy indoor environment, using ICF for your foundation and basement walls is a smart choice. Even in existing homes, renovating with ICF in areas like basements can offer significant radon protection and other long-term benefits.

Final Thoughts

Your home is your sanctuary, and keeping it safe and healthy should be a priority. Reducing radon levels is a step toward better indoor air quality, and with Quad-Lock ICF, you’re not only building a stronger, more energy-efficient home but also one that protects your family from invisible dangers. So, if you’re considering a new home or a renovation, talk to us at Performance ICF, a certified Quad-Lock ICF dealer about how this system can contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment.

Building energy-efficient homes is more important than ever, and one of the most effective construction methods for meeting these demands is Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). ICF construction not only offers durability and structural strength but also plays a significant role in achieving the rigorous energy performance targets set by the BC Energy Step Code.

Benefits of ICF for Step Code Compliance

         1.   High Thermal Insulation: Quad-Lock ICF walls are designed to provide high R-values, which are crucial for reducing energy consumption in both heating and cooling seasons. The combination of insulation and thermal mass ensures that the home retains heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer, helping meet Step Code energy targets.

         2.   Airtightness: One of the key requirements of the Step Code is minimizing air leakage in new homes. ICF construction naturally reduces gaps and cracks that contribute to air infiltration, helping achieve the airtightness needed for higher steps of the code. This reduces energy waste and improves the effectiveness of ventilation systems.

         3.   Thermal Mass Effect: The concrete core in Quad-Lock ICF walls acts as a thermal mass, storing heat and releasing it slowly over time. This thermal mass effect stabilizes indoor temperatures, reducing the demand on heating and cooling systems and contributing to better overall energy efficiency.

         4.   Durability and Resilience: Beyond energy performance, Quad-Lock ICF construction adds significant durability to buildings. The concrete core provides strength against natural forces like earthquakes and extreme weather, while the insulation offers soundproofing and moisture resistance. This leads to a longer-lasting, low-maintenance building that aligns with sustainable building practices.

How ICF Helps Meet Step Code Levels

The BC Energy Step Code outlines progressive performance steps that new buildings must meet, from lower steps that involve moderate improvements in energy efficiency to higher steps that aim for near net-zero energy use. ICF can be a critical component in reaching these higher levels.

    •         Step 3-4: These intermediate levels focus on increased insulation and reduced air leakage. ICF walls provide superior thermal insulation and airtightness, helping to achieve these standards without needing excessive additional measures.

    •         Step 5 (Net-Zero Ready): At the highest Step Code level, homes must be nearly energy neutral, meaning they consume as much energy as they produce. The airtightness, insulation, and thermal mass provided by ICF construction can play a key role in minimizing energy needs, making it easier to integrate renewable energy sources like solar power to meet the home’s reduced energy demand.

Conclusion

Quad-Lock ICF construction is an ideal method for builders and homeowners looking to achieve Step Code compliance while also creating homes that are durable, comfortable, and energy-efficient. By using Quad-Lock ICF, builders can meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance homes that are not only compliant with energy codes but also built to last for generations. 

Want to know more?  Contact Performance ICF today at (604) 607-8600 or contact us through our website!

Project Update – this Abbotsford ICF home is approaching lock up and we are excited to see construction approaching the finish line! These ICF walls will be the ideal sound proof option for the future homeowners as this home backs onto an often used road.

Contact us Today for more information and to give you a quote on your upcoming home!

Another delivery of Quad-Deck is on it’s way! This time we are heading up to North Vancouver, Squamish and our final destination of Whistler.

Quad-Lock is manufactured in Surrey, British Columbia. This local supplier was established in 1994 and at that time was one of the first flat-wall insulated concrete forms systems. Quad-Lock continues to be a leader when it comes to creating versatile, high quality construction products, like Quad-Deck.

Are you interested in building your next project with Quad-Lock ICF? Contact us, Performance ICF today! We are the Quad-Lock dealer for Southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island.